Can I replace the lower ball joints myself?

graycenphil · **Posted:** Tue Oct 14, 2025 3:08 pm

Both of my lower ball joints are bad, rubber is torn. The whole operation doesn’t look too hard on the videos, but I’m a little uncertain about pressing the old one out and the new one in. I see it being done with a tool, looks like a giant C clamp. I don’t mind buying the tool, but will it work? Mine have been in there for 20 years, and everything is pretty rusty. Will the tool do it?

Thanks.

WWDiesel · **Posted:** Wed Oct 15, 2025 12:23 am

The C type press tool generally will work to remove and re-install a new ball joint. It can be quite labor intensive especially if you have never done this job before.
Based on the cost for the tool kit and lack of experience, you may want to consider just taking it to a shop that does front end work and pay them to replace the ball joints.

graycenphil · **Posted:** Wed Oct 15, 2025 7:20 am

Thanks WW. I did think of replacing the whole assembly, but it looks like it’s the steering knuckle, not the control arm that holds the ball joint? All the steering knuckles I saw for sale came without the ball joint.

The rest of the job doesn’t look too difficult for me; I’m just afraid the ball joint may be permanently rusted/fused in place.

03black · **Posted:** Wed Oct 15, 2025 11:57 am

It can be done, just takes a little effort. I rented the tools from the local autozone and did the job. Soaked the joint in some penetration oil while your disassembling the steering knuckle from the lower control arm. Then setup the "c-clamp" with the right adapters and use an impact gun to press the old one out. Install in reverse order (be mindful of the new ball joint boot in relation to the adapters).

But like WW said, it might be more efficient to replace the whole arm that comes with new bushings and ball joints. Find them at rockauto and then use the part numbers they provide to search for better prices online elsewhere.

graycenphil · **Posted:** Wed Oct 15, 2025 12:22 pm

Thanks 03 Black. I will probably just buy the tool, they seem to sell for $40 - $80 on Amazon and at Harbor Freight. Unless you guys think those tools are inadequate for the job.

WWDiesel · **Posted:** Wed Oct 15, 2025 2:05 pm

My bad, I forgot the ball joint is in the steering knuckle, not in the lower control arm. :oops:

And I looked up the steering knuckle (PN's: 52088652AE & 52088653AE {L&R}) and none of them come with the ball joint already installed. :cry:

So your options are to purchase new ball joints and press out the old ones and press in the new ones with the press tools.

or
Purchase new steering knuckles (L&R) and install new ball joints in them and reinstall them in your Jeep.
This eliminates the need to have to press the old rusty ones out of your current knuckles.
But this would also require removing your old hub bearings to install in the new steering knuckles. :juggle:

**Some advise on pressing the old ones out: Soak them in some very good deep penetrating oil like Kroil for a few days if you can before attempting the press out of the old ball joints. Another tip is to heat the area around the knuckle where the ball joint is located with a hand torch right before you start applying pressure to the old ball joint to help expand the metal around the ball joint.

As to the tools, whatever you choose, it must a heavy duty to be able to apply the necessary force without bending during the press out/in of the ball joint. :juggle:

Good luck and keep us posted! :POPCORN:

graycenphil · **Posted:** Wed Oct 15, 2025 8:16 pm

Thanks again. I’m leaning toward giving it a try; I’ll report back when I do.

Wow, that Kroil stuff is expensive!

03black · **Posted:** Wed Oct 15, 2025 9:57 pm

Did you know there is a factory TSB recall for the front ball joint? If yours has not been done you might get the dealer to do it for free? Give them your VIN and they'll check.

If not make sure you get the Moog greasable ball joints and orient the grease port to the rear of the jeep.

WWDiesel · **Posted:** Wed Oct 15, 2025 10:49 pm

03black wrote:

Did you know there is a factory TSB recall for the front ball joint? If yours has not been done you might get the dealer to do it for free? Give them your VIN and they'll check.
If not make sure you get the Moog greasable ball joints and orient the grease port to the rear of the jeep.

Very Good Advice!
Moog greasable ball joints are the only ones you should consider for replacement and purchase. :BINGO:

Front Lower Ball Joints:
• *Moog’s Premium line of Replacement Ball joints, ball joint only, NO steering knuckle:
• Front Lower Ball Joints – Moog *^K80767 (same PN L & R sides)
• [*Requires special tools to press old ball joint out of steering knuckle and press new ball joint into knuckle.]
• (^Denotes premium greaseable Problem Solver Ball Joint)

graycenphil · **Posted:** Thu Oct 16, 2025 6:17 am

I did not know about the recall, thanks. I wonder, will it still apply to a 20 year old vehicle with 180,000 miles on it?

WWDiesel · **Posted:** Thu Oct 16, 2025 12:33 pm

Go here: https://www.mopar.com/en-us/my-vehicle/ ... earch.html
Plug in your VIN number and it will tell you what recalls have been completed on your vehicle. :wink:

Quote:

Actual Recall Notice (SAFETY RECALL F23 – LOWER BALL JOINTS):
https://www.chrysler.com/universal/webs ... df/F23.pdf

Quote:

Need More Help?
Contact Mopar® Customer Care today and one of our representatives will help you find what you're looking for or answer any questions you may have concerning recalls.

1-888-528-4364

graycenphil · **Posted:** Thu Oct 16, 2025 2:12 pm

No luck with the recall. Only showed three recalls for my vin and all have been done. I guess it didn’t apply ro all the ‘06 Liberties.

03black · **Posted:** Thu Oct 16, 2025 4:14 pm

graycenphil wrote:

No luck with the recall. Only showed three recalls for my vin and all have been done. I guess it didn’t apply ro all the ‘06 Liberties.

I'd still go to the dealership and ask. You never know, they might give you a exception since its a safety item.

Can I replace the lower ball joints myself?

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